An otolaryngologist treats issues and disorders of the ears, nose, and throat, and is sometimes referred to as an ENT specialist. In the US, an annual otolaryngologist salary is nearly $338,000 compared to well over AU$452,000 ($356,498 USD) in Australia and NZ$380,000 ($278,805 USD) in New Zealand. Those in Canada see more than C$327,000 ($258,826 USD) per year, followed by the UK at £173,000 ($213,687 USD), South Africa at R1,993,000 ($30,648 USD) and India at Rs20,12,000 ($30,938 USD). Earning potential for otolaryngologists is based on geographic region, professional experience, and work setting, as further explained in this guide.

How Much Does an Otolaryngologist Make per Year?

Annual and hourly wages, as well as the US dollar conversion, are provided in the chart below for otolaryngologists in select countries worldwide.

Otolaryngologist Salary

US

Canada

UK

Australia

New Zealand

India

South Africa

Hourly Wage

$162

C$157

£83

AU$217

NZ$183

Rs967

R958

Annual Wage

$337,613

C$327,271
($258,826 USD)

£173,200
($213,687 USD)

AU$452,289
($356,498 USD)

NZ$379,689
($278,805 USD)

Rs20,12,109
($30,938 USD)

R1,993,246
($30,648 USD)

Factors that Influence the Otolaryngologist Salary

Earning potential for otolaryngologists is influenced by geographic region, professional experience, and work setting. This guide dives further into salary and career information for otolaryngologists.

1. Geographic Area

Otolaryngologist Salary in US

Otolaryngologists in the US earn an annual base salary averaging nearly $334,000, and bonus income that add another $26,000 to overall earnings. Entry level otolaryngologists see well over $222,000 when beginning their careers, and incomes steadily increases to more than $457,000 per year for those at the senior level.

Otolaryngologist Salary in Canada

In Canada, otolaryngologists earn well over C$327,000 per year and the average bonus pay exceeds C$25,000 in additional income. Those early in their careers can expect an average salary of more than C$215,000 per year, while senior level professionals see annual pay that tops C$442,000.

Otolaryngologist Salary in UK

In the UK, otolaryngologists earn, on average, more than £173,000 annually and more than £13,000 in additional bonus income. Entry level otolaryngologists see annual earnings that exceed £114,000, increasing throughout one’s career to more than £234,000 per year upon reaching the senior level.

Otolaryngologist Salary in Australia

As an otolaryngologist in Australia, annual compensation exceeds AU$452,000 in base salary with another AU$35,000 in bonus income. The average entry level starting salary is roughly AU$298,000 per year and increases with experience to nearly AU$613,000 per year for senior level professionals.

Otolaryngologist Salary in New Zealand

Otolaryngologists in New Zealand earn roughly NZ$380,000 annually plus more than NZ$29,000 in bonus income. The average salary for those with up to three years’ experience exceeds NZ$250,000 annually while senior level pay is nearly NZ$514,000 per year.

Otolaryngologist Salary in India

As an otolaryngologist in India, the average annual compensation is more than Rs20,12,000 in base salary plus an additional Rs1,55,000 in bonus pay. The average starting salary for entry level positions is more than Rs13,45,000 while senior level professionals earn well over Rs27,62,000 per year.

Otolaryngologist Salary in South Africa

In South Africa, otolaryngologists earn more than R1,993,000 per year and bonus income pay can boost overall earnings another R154,000. Otolaryngologists beginning their careers can expect an average starting salary of more than R1,323,000 per year compared to their senior level colleagues who earn about R2,718,000 annually.

2. Experience

While otolaryngologists are among the highest paid professionals worldwide, experience potentially boosts earning potential about 106%. In the US and Australia, the two countries with the highest annual salaries, the difference between entry level and senior level pay is about $235,000 and AU$315,000 per year, respectively, equating to 106% increase. In South Africa and India, where annual is lower, senior level professionals see annual salaries that are 105% more than entry level pay, equating to Rs14,17,000 and R1,395,000, respectively.

3. Industry

Otolaryngologists work in hospitals and private practice with many being self-employed in a solo practice or group practice. Those employed in hospitals typically work in larger healthcare systems where specialists are more often accessible. While salary ranges are consistent across work settings, those who work in public sector or nonprofit hospitals, such as facilities affiliated with educational institutions, may see lower pay or less potential for bonus income compared to their self-employed colleagues.

Working Hours

Otolaryngologists typically work full-time hours than often exceed more than 40 hours per week. Patients are most often scheduled during normal business hours, Monday through Friday. While there may be times when extended hours in the early morning or evening are necessary, weekend and holiday work is rare.

Bonuses and Benefit Packages

As members of the healthcare community, otolaryngologists typically receive a comprehensive healthcare package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. Paid time off is often provided for vacation, holidays, and sick time. Other benefits may include professional liability insurance, retirement plans, and health savings accounts, and some employers offer additional perks like allowances for paid training, conference attendance, and meals. Those who are self-employed may earn higher pay, but typically must cover the expense for these benefits on their own. Bonus income is common worldwide and can add significant amounts to overall pay.

Job Outlook

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the growth rate for physicians, including otolaryngologists, to increase 13% between 2016 and 2026 due to greater access to healthcare and improvements in medical treatment and care. A career as an otolaryngologist requires a bachelor’s degree, often in a science-related field, and a medical degree followed by up to seven years in and training and residency. Successful completion of a licensing exam is required most regions require registration and ongoing training to maintain licensing requirements.

Conclusion

Otolaryngologists must complete many years of education and training, but are rewarded with high incomes that often exceed six digits in some countries and increase rapidly with additional experience. Benefits and bonus packages are typically offered, though with many otolaryngologists being self-employed, there is a large number who cover these expenses on their own. With an expected much faster than average growth rate expected for this career field, salaries should remain strong with ample employment opportunities.